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Design Essay: Are smart roads just around the corner?

In order to remain relevant, the car must constantly evolve. But while almost all attention focuses on four wheels, the roads that facilitate an automobile's progress have remained relatively unaltered since Eisenhower formed the National Highway system in the 1950s. With environmental concerns getting ever higher on the agenda, there is an opportunity to think outside the (metal) box and rethink the road, making it as smart as the vehicles and devices that travel upon it.

Lexus LF-CC

Lexus is set to debut the LF-CC mid-size coupe concept at next week's Paris motor show that will give us a glimpse of the design and technology ideas that will influence the brand's future models. The LF-CC shares a lot of the same design cues featured on the LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe concept seen in Detroit in January, not least the new spindle-shaped grille that are found on all new Lexus models. It is set in a deep, metal-finish surround and is framed by the hood lip, deep lower spoiler and the projecting front wing tips – this is designed to give it a 3D look.

Aston Martin Rapide prototype stretches its legs at N

Aston Martin caught our eye with the Rapide concept at the 2006 Detroit auto show. But the project slid to the back burner as then-owner Ford Motor Co. couldn't fund development of the car.